One-unit safety trailer



Aug. 4, 1-942.- N. F. HUBER ONE UNIT SAFETY TRAILER Filed Jap. 19, 19404 Sheets- Sheet 1 mac: 1-? HUBER,

Aug. 4, 1942. N. F. HUBER ONE UNIT SAFETY TRAILER Filed Jan. 19, 1940 4Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 4, 1942. N. F. HUBER ONE UNITjSAFETY TRAILER FiledJan. 19, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Aug. 4, 1942.. N. F. HUBER QNE UNITSAFETY TRAILER 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 19; '1940 Patented Aug. 4,1942 UNlTED sures PATENT OFFICE I owe-Unisex: manna v Nace r. Huber,hummus, Ky.

iipplicationdanuary 19, 1am, florist No. 3143M 16 Claims.

The invention to be described relates to a motor vehicle and trailercombination which is adapted particularly to the transportation offreight loads.

Hitherto such highway transportation combinations have comprised aconventional tractor chassis with an operators cab and controls mountedon its forward end and carrying a fifth wheel connection at its rear endfor coupling to a trailer of the van type. The fundamental objections tothis arrangement are the tendency to whip or weave and to jackknife whennegotiating a tum at high speed; the unsatisfactory distribution of loadwith respect to the front and rear wheel tire capacities of the tractoror motor vehicle unit; and the detachment existing between the cab forthe driver and the body of the trailer. To obviate some oi thesedimculties, it has in more recent years been proposed to locate theoperators seat and the controls for the tractor unit within the forwardpart of the trailer and to accommodate the relative angular motionbetween the trailer and tractor by connecting the seat and controlsrigidly to the tractor only. This latter arrangement atbest is also amakeshift, and is open to the further objection that relative motionadjacent the operator creates a danger tion of the operator above thecollision impact level for a majority of motor vehicles.

Another advantage which inheres in the novel unitary combination of thisinvention is the elimination of blind rear vision periods occurring"when the rear end of the trailer swingsacross the normal held of therear vision mirror, which is necessarily located on the inner side ofthe tractor with respect to the center of the road.

Other features of improvement will be rccognized in the markedincreasein load carrying ca-, pacity for a given lensthwhich is attainedby having the forward end oi the trailer substan-' than. that attendantupon passing the-relatively unit being entirely self-contained exceptfor con- 4 teols and detachable from the van body or unit with thecontrols thereof as a fully controlled,

self-propelled vehicle. A principal object of this invention is toprovide an improved, unitary combination in which A the trailer isconnected to the tractor unit so that the front and rear wheels of theformer are properly loaded and the advantages of having the driver in atrailer cab are obtained without the disadvantages of relative motion athis station.

' This is accomplished by the provision of .a seat and control platformwhich is adapted to be made a part of the trailer when that unit iscoupled to the tractor unit, and an integral part of the a a verdefinite safety factor added by the slave separate tractor with cab andtrailer unit which characterizes the present highway freighttransportation equipment.

Further features of novelty are to be found in the arrangement ofsteering mechanism and other controls, which extend through the fifthwheel so as to permit ready replacement of a tractor unit.

It will be noted in addition that the power unit of the tractor is sodisposed as to permit the optional connection of the operator'splatform, including the steering wheel, seat, and controls, with eitherthe tractor or the trailer for movement therewith; and at the same timethe power unit or engine is mounted for short coupling with the drivingwheels and rearwardly of the front end of the tractor unit.

The integrated trailer and tractor construction which has been outlinedin part lends itself to the use of a continuous bed frame extending fromend to end of the trailer unit and its included cab. with suitablereinforcement where connection is made to the operator's platform.Within the contemplation of this invention, the portion of the trailerbed frame which is over the-tractor unit may be sprung up in order toincrease the load capacity for a limited height.

Other novel details comprising distinct improvements will be apparentand understood from reading the following detailed description of apreferred embodiment of the invention in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in

.which Fig. 1 shows the complete motor vehicle and trailer combinationin side elevation;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the vehicle or tractor unit slightly separatedfrom the forward end of its trailer;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the tractor unit and the forward end ofthe trailer in a separated position similar to that of Fig. 2 but withcertain details of the steering mechanism omitted;

Fig. 4 represents a detailed side elevation of the tractor unit andtrailer at the time of coupling I or uncoupling;

Fig. 5 is a plan view to a somewhat larger scale of the tractor unitwith the forward end of the trailer connected thereto;

Fig. 6 shows a vertical section taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5; and

Fig. 7 is a detailed fragmentary section showing the nature of theconnection between the drivers platform and the adjacent portion of thetrailer.

With reference to Fig. l, the numeral I designates a tractor or motorvehicle unit having a. wheeled chassis I2. A trailer unit or van I4provided with suitable rear supporting wheels I6 is coupled to thetractor I0 by a separable fifth wheel connection I8.

As seen in Figs. and 6, the wheeled chassis of the motor vehicle unitincludes a frame which supports a motor in the form of an internalcombustion engine 22 beneath the forward end of said frame and between apair of front steering wheels 24, 24 mounted on a drop center axle 25.

In line with the motor 22 is a standard transmissprings 36, 36 also areessential elements of the chassis I2.

The fifth wheel connection I8 comprises lower plates 38 and 39 rigidlysecured to opposite sides of the frame 20 and an upper circular plate 40which is pivotally mounted in trunnion fashion on the respective plates38 and 39 by means of the horizontal pins or bearings 42, 44. A hollowking pin or center pin 46 extends concentrically through the uppercircular plate 40 of the fifth wheel to which it is detachably connectedby any suitable means, and has an outwardly extending flange 48 formedat its upper end for a purpose now to be described.

Figs. 2 and 3 show an important feature of this invention in the way ofan operator or drivers platform 50 which is supported a substantialdistance above the tractor chassis frame 20 by means of appropriatelyspaced and detachable jacks 52, 53 which are adapted to be securelyconnected to both sides of the frame and platform. Although only two ofthese jacks or supporting means 52, 53 show in the drawings (Fig. 6),there is a corresponding pair on the opposite side of the tractor frame20. The jacks or supporting means 52, 53 are illustrative and mayobviously be of the k moved, must afford ample clearance for relativemovement of the trailer-connected platform 50 and the tractor frame 20.

The drivers platform 50 has a rearward extension 56 formed by a pair ofspaced metal strips 68 and 60 which encircle the center pin 46 below theflange 48 and are clamped loosely at opposite sides by means of bolts62, 62. It will be seen that the platform 50 comprises a channel frame64 which is spanned by a floor construction 66 supporting a steeringwheel column 68 and a driver or operators seat III. A straighttransverse partition Il may be removably associated with the trailer I4rearwardly of seat I0, as shown in Fig. 6, in order that the trailer canbe conveniently and efllciently loaded without waste space of irregularshape. The partition II will also permit uncoupling of the operatorsplatform 50, as will appear subsequently.

In Fig. 6, there is indicated a crank I2 which is suitably geared bymeans not shown in detail to the steering column 68 and pivotallyconnected to a rod I4 which extends horizontally of the platform 50within the frame 64 to a bell crank lever 16 mounted on a horizontaltransverse rod 11 for rotation therewith. It will be observed in Fi 2that the transverse rod or shaft 11 is pivotally supported at 18 and onopposite sides of the platform frame extension 68. A universalconnection such as a ball bearing swivel joint socket 82 joins the otherarm of the bell crank lever I6 to a vertical link or rod member 84extending through the hollow center pin 46, as illustrated in Fig. 6.Any suitable cover may be provided for the inwardly exposed parts of thelever 16 and socket 82. At its lower end, which is below the fifthwheel, the vertical link 84 is pivotally connected to a. crank 86turning with a horizontally disposed shaft 88 extending across thetractor chassis frame 20 and outwardly thereof on the left side so as tooperate a second depending crank 90 which is pivotally connected, as bya ball joint, to an ordinary drag link 92 (Fig. 4). By means of the draglink 92, a steering arm 93 (Fig. 5) on the left front wheel 24 may beturned, and'through a tie rod linkage indicated generally as 94, 95, 96,the right front wheel 24 is caused to correspond in movement. Adjacentthe rearward end of the drag link on the left side of the tractor frame20 is an air booster I00, such as is manufactured for this purpose byBendix- Westinghouse Air Brake Company, with its piston rod I02 linkedto the vertical crank 90 intermediate its ends, for increasing thesteering effort applied to the front wheels.

The specific motor controls form no part of the invention, but will beindicated somewhat briefly in the interestof completeness. Mounted onthe steering column 68, which is shown in Figs. 2 and 6, is a magneticgear shift control I04, and in proper relation to the driver's seat 10is a clutch pedal I06 which through commonly used fluid pressure ormagnetic means controls the drive of the tractor unit I0. A brake pedalI08 is mounted adjacent the clutch pedal I06 and me chanically connectedto a fluid pressure piston I (not shown) which controls the hydraulic orair brakes. Note is to be made also of a throttle or accelerator I I0which is flexibly connected through the king pin 46 to the carburetor ofthe engine 22. Preferably, an emergency brake lever H2 iscable-connected to the auxiliary set of brakes. have been mentioned passthrough the fifth wheel center pin 46, as shown by Figs. 5 and 6, andare appropriately separated from the steering link 84 so as to preventdamage or entanglement.

All of the control connections which aaoaeec 3 For purposes ofillustration, the trailer unit I! has been shown as a van with a sprungframe l it having its elevated portion at the front end to accommodatethe tractor unitv l and the fifth wheel it. The frame ll i carries aclosed body portion N6, the details of which are unimportant for presentpurposes, having a left cab door H8 and a right cab door B connected toopposite sides of its front end. The arrangement of the doors H3 andi2ll is clearly illustrated in Fig. 2-

which shows also in dotted lines a pair of hinged or otherwise connectedforward doors I22 and 524 respectively which may be swung apart andtogether to give access to the front end of thetrailer unit for thepurpose of coupling or uncoupling the same to a tractor unit it. Fig. 2further inconnected to the trailer ll by opening the forward doors I22and I24, the' trailer I! being at this time supported at its forward endby a retractible landing gear I86 of well-known construction, andbacking the tractor unit under the frame lid of said trailer. While thisis bein done, the driver's platform 50 and its supporting frame 84 willbe connected to the tractor chassis frame 28 by means of'the detachablejacks 52 and 53, and the operator will be in his seat III on the tractorunit and operating it in normal fashion. The platform 50 is alwayssecured to the tractor chassis 28 through the pivotal connection of itsrearward extension iit'to the center pin 46 of dicates a notch or recess26 in the forward end oi the frame structure lid of the-trailer, shapedto guide and snugly receive the driver's platform bi] which has beendescribed. An open fifth wheel plate H8 is mounted at the bottom of thenotch l 2% and slightly therebelow for receiving the king pin fit whichis associated with the fifth wheel member til of the tractor unit id.Any suitable locking means for the king pin dd may be em ployed, such asthat shown in Fig. 2, wherein a pair of pivoted locking latches 530, it?are slidable in an enlarged recess (not shown) provided in the underportion oi the open fifth wheel plate 523.

The notch or recess E of the trailer is defined by a pair or curvedchannel frames 113 3, are which face outwardly and are integrated with aspaced pair of parallel, longitudinal frame members 9828, 5 353 or thetrailer. That is to say, the frame member i238 is rigidly connected inthe manner shown to the channel frame 836 at its forward end M2 andrearwardly thereof at 8%. Similarly, the longitudinal frame member we isconnected to the opposite curved channel frame 935 at W3 and i 18. Thisresults in a continuous and rigid bed frame structure (6 id) for thetrailer unit, and. one which extends beyond the position of the operatorto the forward end of the included tractor it.

While Fig. 2 serves to show the position of a plurality of spacedlocking devices 65B which secure the drivers platform to to the trailerwhen the latter is coupled to the tractor id, the, nature of thesedevices is better shown in the detail of Fig. 7. Each lccldng devicei563 comprises a tapared plunger member Q52 carried by the trailerchannel frame 63%, or @363, and extending inwardly through alignedapertures i5 3 and lit, the latter one being in the mated portion of thechannel frame 64 of the driver's platform. A housing let, which may beof sheet metal, surrounds the plunger 852 and is attached to the outerface of the trailer frame member 835. However, a head or knob "to oieach plunger is disposed without the housing H8 50 that said plunger maybe operated against the resistance of a coil spring is? which isinterposed between the inside of the housing and an intermediateshoulder use of the plunger. By means of these lockin devices I58, thedriver's platform can be quickly and securely coupled to theinter-fitting part of the trailer frame, or released therefrom when thetractor IQ and trailer M are to be separated.

From the foregoing description of the motor vehicle and trailercombination of this invention, it is believed-that most of the detailsof its operation will have been made, clear. In summary, it is observedthat the tractor unit 18 is the fifth wheel means. Upon mating of theplatform frame lid and the recessed portion I26 of the trailer frame,the two will be automatically connected by the snapping into place ofthe tapered plungers it? of the locking devices. These plungers H52 willhave first been retracted by pressure'action of the platform frame 64adiacent its apertures. It then remains only to lock the center pin 36in position with the latches till, 1352, close the forward cab doors I22and i2 3, detach the jacks 52 and 53 from the platform frame so as to prmit relative motion and provide clearance therefor, and couple thebrake system oi the trailer id to that oi the tractor it. Although noprevious mention has been made of this detail, it will be appreciatedthat the brakes oi the trailer also can be operatively connected throughthe hollow center pin of the tractor, as can also its lights.

The dominant aspect of the combination thus produced are its safety andeconomy, asmeasured by load-carrying capacity. Without sacridoing anyinterchangeability of tractor units, the trailer and tractor componentsof such combinations have been united into one highly practical thetrailer without any intervening space, has

been placed over and to some extentforward of the front axle of thetractor, and materially elevated, with the result that the operator hasa position of vastly improved visibility and personal safety. It shouldbe self-evident that the operator will have unobstructed vision evenimmediately in front of his cab, and that his increased elevation willlengthen the range of forward visibility and permit the earlier viewingof the far side of a, hill which is being climbed. Of particularsignificance i the described manner of connection in which thepossibility of a trailer unit breaking loose and running over the driverhas been eliminated. One of the further safety features is the way inwhich the motor or engine has been located so as not to add to overalllength or to liberate poisonous gases where they would be a menace tothe operator; Moreover, the relative forward position of the fifth wheelwith respect to the tractor unit is such as to prevent jack-knifing, byreason of the fact that the trailer is pushed rather than pulled.

Those who are familiar with this art will rec 1. A unitarytransportation vehicle comprising, in combination, a trailer unit; atractor unit which extends below the trailer unit; fifth wheelconnecting means between the units; and tractor control means detachablysecured to the trailer unit for movement therewith relative to thetractor unit, said tractor unit being self-contained except for itscontrol means and detachable with its controls from the trailer unit asa complete, self-propelled vehicle, and the trailer unit being providedwith an open-sided recess at its forward end arranged to receive thetractor control means.

2. In combination, a tractor unit; a trailer unit; fifth wheel means forcoupling the tractor and trailer units; a platform for a driverconstructed and arranged to be secured immovably to either unit;connecting means which are separable for securing the platform to thetractor unit for movement therewith and relative to the trailer unit;and fastening means for optionally joining the platform to the trailerunit for movement therewith.

3. A unitary transportation vehicle comprising in combination, a trailerunit; a tractor unit inunits; a. driving platform including tractorcontrol means and constructed and arranged to be secured to the trailerunit for rotational move-,

ment therewith relative to the tractor unit, said platform having anintegrally connected extension pivotally connected to the tractor forrotation about the vertical axis of the fifth wheel unit for independentmovement therewith; and fastening means for optionally joining theplatform to the trailer unit for rotational movement therewith relativeto the tractor unit.

4. In combination, a tractor unit; a trailer unit including a cab at itsfront end; fifth wheel means for coupling the tractor and trailer unitsand arranged so that the cab of the trailer unit will be over theforward end of the tractor 'unit; a platform for a driver constructedand arranged to be secured immovably to either unit; connecting meanswhich are separable for securing the platform to the tractor unit formovement therewith; and fastening means for optionally joining theplatform to the trailer unit for; movement therewith relative to thetractor unit.

5. The combination which comprises a tractor unit having forwardsteerable wheels and rear driving wheels; a trailer unit adapted to haveits forward end supported by the tractor unit; fifth wheel means adaptedfor coupling the trailer unit to the tractor unit intermediate thesteerable and driving wheels of the latter; a platform for a driverconstructed and arranged to be secured inmiovably to either unit;connecting means which are separable for supporting the platform on thetractor unit for movement therewith; and fastening means for optionallyconnecting the platform to the forward end of the trailer unit formovement relative to the tractor unit, said trailer unit being recessedto accommodate the platform.

6. Thecombination which comprises a tractor unit having forwardsteerable wheels and rear driving wheels; a van trailer unit adapted tohave its forward end supported by the tractor unit; fifth wheel meansadapted for coupling the trailer unit to the tractor unit intermediatethe steerable and driving wheels of the latter; a

platform for a driver constructed and arranged to be secured immovablyto either unit; connecting means which are separable and including jackmeans for supporting the platform on the tractor unit for movementtherewith; and reciprocating fastening means on the trailer unit forconnecting the platform to the forward end of the trailer unit, saidtrailer unit being recessed to accommodate the platform.

7. The combination which comprises a tractor unit having forwardsteerable wheels and rear driving wheels; a trailer unit adapted to haveits forward end supported by the tractor unit; fifth wheel means adaptedfor coupling the trailer unit to the tractor unit; a platform for adriver constructed and arranged to be secured immovably to either unit;connecting means which are separable and including jack means forsupporting the platform on the tractor unit for movement therewith; andretractible fastening means arranged for connecting the platform to theforward end of the trailer unit, said trailer unit being recessed toaccommodate the platform.

8. The combination which comprises a tractor unit having forwardsteerable wheels and rear driving wheels; a trailer unit adapted to haveits forward end supported by the tractor unit; fifth wheel means adaptedfor coupling the trailer unit to the tractor unit intermediate thesteerable and driving wheels of the latter; a platform for a driverconstructed and arranged to be secured immovably to either unit;connecting means which are separable for supporting the platform on thetractor unit'for movement therewith; and fastening means for optionallyconnecting the platform within the forward end of the trailer unit formovement therewith relative to the tractor unit, said tractor andtrailer units being provided respectively with channel frames which matewhen the platform is secured to the trailer unit.

9. In combination, a motor vehicle provided with a chassis frame, a pairof forward steering wheels, an internal combustion moto'r mountedbetween said steering wheels and below the adjacent portions of saidframe, and rearward driving wheels operatively connected to said motor;a trailer'having supporting wheels adjacent its rear end and a platformincluding a steering and other essential controls for vehicle operationforming a part of its forward end; a fifth wheel connection betweenthevehicle and trailer, said fifth wheel connection being disposedintermediate the driving and steering wheels of the motor vehicle andrearwardly of the platform on the trailer.

10. In combination, a motor vehicle provided with a chassis frame, apair of forward steering wheels, an internal combustion motor mountedbetween said steering wheels and below the adjacent portions of saidframe, and rearward drivingwheels operatively connected to said motor; atrailer'having supporting wheels adjacent its rear end and a platformincluding a steering and other essential controls for vehicle operationforming a part of its forward end; and a fifth wheel connection betweenthe vehicle and trailer, said fifth wheel connection being disposedintermediate the driving and steering wheels of the motor vehicle andthe forward ends of the motor vehicle and trailer being in substantiallyvertical coincidence. I

either unit for movement therewith relative to the other unit;and'control means for the tractor including a steering linkage extendingsubstantially coaxially through the fifth wheel means and secured to theplatform for removal therewith.

12. A motor vehicle comprising, in combination, a tractor unit; atrailer unit; fifth wheel means for coupling the tractor and trailerunits; a readily detachable platform adapted to be secured immovably toeither unit for movement therewith relative to the other unit; andcontrol means for the tractor including a steering connection extendingwithin the fifth wheel means and secured to the platform for removaltherewith.

13. In combination, a tractor unit; a trailer unit; fifth wheel meansincluding a hollow center pin for coupling the tractor and trailerunits; a readily detachable platform for a driver adapted to be securedimmovably to either unit, for movement therewith relative to the otherunit; said center pin being carried by the tractor unit; connectingmeans which are readily separable for securing the platform to thetractor unit for movement therewith; fastening means for joining theplatform to the trailer unit for movement therewith; and steeringcontrol mechanism extending from the tractor unit through the center pinand supported by the platform.

14. As a sub-combination, a van type of trailer unit comprising a bedframe extending continuously from end to end of said unit and beingsprung upwardly at its forward end and having an open-sided recessarranged to accommodate a portion of a tractor unit; rear supportingwheels therefor; side cab doors oppositely disposed adjacent the frontend of said trailer unit; and additional door means at the front end ofthe trailer unit to permit entrance and removal of a steering wheel andother control elements associated with the-tractor unit.

15. A unitary transportation vehicle comprising, in combination, atrailer unit of the van type having a cab portion at its forward end anda continuous frame extending thereunder; areplaceable tractor unithaving forward steerable wheels and rearward driving wheels beneath thetrailer unit; -an internal combustion motor positioned betweenthesteerable wheels of said tractor unit; fifth wheel means forconnecting the units, one part of said means being pivotally supportedby the tractor unit in advance ofits driving wheels and anotherpart ofsaid means being rigidly secured underneath the trailer unit; andcontrol means having a permanent pivotal connection with the tractorunit and detachably secured within the cab portion of the trailer unitfor turning movement with said trailer unit about thenfth wheel meansand relative to said tractor unit.

16. A unitary transportation vehicle comprising, in combination, aninterchangeable tractor unit including forward steerable wheels,rearward driving wheels, and an internal combustion motor thereforarranged between the steerable wheels; a trailer unit including a vanbody and an operator's cab forming apart of said van body at its forwardend; connecting means between the tractor unit andtrailer constructedand arranged to accommodate relative rotational movement between saidunits; an operator's platform forming a part of the tractor unit andadapted to be secured to the trailer unit within its cab for rotationalmovement with-said trailer unit;

' and controls for the tractor unit extending from the platform andconitructed and arranged to permit .the required relative motion.

' ru es: 1''. HUBER.

